1. Life of a
Travel
Agent
the challenges & privilleges
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2. Life of a travel agent
the challenges & privilleges
The Privilege of being a travel agent
The life of a travel agent is built on a set of ideas. Selling tours is just a small part. Countless hours
are spent on strategizing, building and promoting a trip. And although the rewards are less, each
effort is motivated by passion. Simply because understanding travel and its power to change the
world is an overwhelming realization. When we comprehend that the strife that grips the world
can be lessened or cured by appreciating the diversity of faiths, cultures and the world in general,
creating journeys is an honor; a rare privilege that only a few enjoy. Having considered that greater
vision which almost all travel agents live with, we do all we can to perfect this craft, simply because
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we love the very idea of travel.
Travel Agents are restless beings. We constantly look for new ways to develop our approach to
tourism and to perfectly adapt to the huge amount of tourist influx all around the world. Sometimes
it is a daunting job and endless hours are spent understanding and carving out every detail with
precision.
This meticulous job gets to most of us sometimes. But the hard work pays off and our understanding
of travel and the hard work it commands are overcome by a sense of respite as we see the spark
and thrill among our travelers and realize how even by a small measure it has begun to change
the world.
It is in such times, we often consider what makes a travel agent better to serve the greater purpose
of creating journeys and understanding this great privilege more. There are among travel agents
many unusual qualities, a few of which are worth discussing.
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3. Life of a travel agent
the challenges & privilleges
Knowledge of Local Places
Knowledge of local places cannot be achieved without appreciating what is around you. One must
understand the best thing about a destination. It varies with places but a greater understanding
of local places is of utmost importance. This will immerse the traveler with greater sensitivity for
different cultures. You haven’t traveled well if you haven’t understood the local culture and it’s
enriching essence. That is why a good travel agent must be able to transfer the same sense of
appreciation to a traveler. But this is a tedious process which involves research, constant updates
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and knowledge of cultures, anthropology, history and sometimes architecture too. However hard
work pays off and this is evident on the faces of all the travelers who are in your hands. Traveling
is all about seeing and learning and it’s a privilege to be the source of that enriching travel experience.
Personal Attention
Each traveler is special. He/she deserves that special attention and care. Like all businesses a travel
operator must think of a client’s benefits before he can calculate his own profits. One must also
understand the amount of planning, the funds, and the continuous desire that a traveler considers
before embarking on a journey. And he/she travels miles to be in the place where he/she always
wanted to be. Personal attention, a sense of care and an allowance for comfort cannot be undermined
during a trip. These are traits of hospitality that say a lot about how much you appreciate travelers
and this industry. It is in a profound way, a belief in care, understanding and the entire idea of
travel. This is why you receive repeat travelers.
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4. Life of a travel agent
the challenges & privilleges
Experience
One cannot become a travel agent without some experience. Granted, everyone is a first timer
once. But this is a job that requires time, patience and research. More travel agents have spent
decades in this industry and know how to conduct tours like the back of their hands. And that is
what travelers seek when they book a tour. Sometimes travel agents get a large group of travelers.
Providing each one with personal attention and in case of problems during a trek or an expedition
could prove to be hazardous. And unexpected occurrences cannot be overlooked. Political turmoil,
flight delays, accidents etc could very well be part of travel. During such situations, one can count
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on nothing other than pure experience.
Infrastructure
Proper infrastructure is important to manage and organize holiday packages. Good Infrastructure
is beneficial for strenuous tours which are sometimes very demanding especially in the Himalayas.
Focus must be made on taking the hassles and tedium out of travelling for a traveler, so that he/she
may enjoy everything around with a carefree mind. Right from Airport pickups to hotels, transports
and until departures, travelers must be taken care of in a stress free environment. This can happen
only when you have the right infrastructure. Developing infrastructure too, takes a lot of time and
effort with careful planning. A travel agent is incomplete without proper infrastructure.
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5. Life of a travel agent
the challenges & privilleges
Expertise
Expertise comes from hiring the best staff and it also comes from experience in the field of travel.
Expertise helps take out all the hassles of a journey from the mind of a traveler; simply because
with expertise by the side of a travel agent, any problem and any hindrance can be solved
immediately. Expertise also ensures the safety of a traveler which is imperative. One must have
tour leaders who are all trained in first aid and crisis management. Whilst trekking, food preparation
and hygiene must be given top priority. Right from the initial correspondence, booking, conducting
tours and departure, expertise will be appreciated and choosing the right personnel for the right
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job is key to the success of a travel agent.
Responsible Travel
Responsible Travel/Tourism comes from loving the idea of Travel and understanding its impact on
nature, ecology and local people. It is about appreciating many different cultures and nature itself
and how we owe something to the things that give us pleasure. A good travel agent always
arranges for travelers to connect in a way with local people and make them understand the economy
and the ecology surrounding them. In a way Travel Agents must seek to minimize negative impacts
of the environment and society and think of ways to raise the economic benefits of the local
communities. Travel agents must be culturally sensitive and respect the impacts of relations between
the tourists and the locals.
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6. Life of a travel agent
the challenges & privilleges
Guided by Greater Vision
Words like excellence, comfortable, luxury, affordable and exclusive are thrown about by travel
agents with reckless abandon. Not a lot of travel agents talk about the other benefits of travel. But
a few understand that what one travels for makes all the difference. All travel agents and the work
they do must be guided by a greater vision. Visions vary, of course but they must be based on a set
of principles and ethics. Creating journeys is the best way to bring people closer to each other and
that privilege must always be appreciated. Most agents believe in the great, sometimes transformative,
always educational value of travel. We must always understand that traveling is the only way to cure
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the world from the hatred and differences that dominate our relationships.
Passion
Travel agents are most passionate about creating journeys and providing more than what a traveler
normally expects during a trip. During a trip, the travel agent manages the details so that one can
relish all the experience without any hassles or the need to research. Because research and hassles
are already considered by the travel agent, trips become easy and pleasurable.
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7. Life of a travel agent
the challenges & privilleges
Creative Approach
Almost all travel agents sell similar trips because the routes are the same! However there are some
trips that are unique to each travel agent. These are the ones that are meticulously planned and
researched so that travelers can find something different each time they journey to a destination.
While some believe in adventure and some in practices that show more of culture, the unique trips
are something that is closer to the heart of a travel agent who creates them. This creative approach
while taking longer to craft and harder to create, almost always ensures a quality product. While
this approach to creation of a new and viable trip is a virtue rare among agents- it is vital to a first
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class product.
The Best Itinerary
A travel agent must sell an Itinerary that is best suited to a traveler and not the one that he wants
to desperately sell someone. Understanding the needs and requirements of a traveler are of utmost
importance in this business. This is done with research and knowing where a particular traveler will
enjoy the most. A travel agent must always consider an enquiry with detail and offer the best choices.
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8. Life of a travel agent
the challenges & privilleges Real life Testimonials
Several years ago, I traveled half way across the world to experience the beauty and majesty of Nepal. The people,
culture and splendor of Nepal remain a part of me to this day. I was lucky enough to have been guided by Himalayan
Dreams through the Annapurna Circuit. Himalayan Dreams's showed me the ways of his unforgettable country
and her people. My trip to Nepal made an everlasting impression on my life and Himalayan Dreams was a very
important part of that experience. I hope to make it back one day to see my friend again and enjoy the beauty of
the Himalayan country. If you are planning a trip to Nepal, Himalayan Dreams to guide you through his homeland
will make your trip that much more of a meaningful journey.
Steve Heinz
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President at Heinz Enterprises, Inc.
USA
Himalayan Dreams did perfect job in organizing our trip including our wishes so we could enjoy a perfect 2 persons
trip to Tibet (Mt. Kailash - Lhasa - Namtso). We will not hesitate to recommend you and your company Himalayan
Dreams to our friends + colleagues. Best wishes.
Dr Karin and Stephan
AUSTRIA
Thank you so much HIMALAYAN DREAMS professional team for the wonderful experience from the moment we
landed until departure, everything was well organized. Nepal is a beautiful country with wonderful scenery. Our
drive to Pokhara was breathtaking, the sunrise over the Annapurna was amazing, and trekking gave us an interesting
experience on Nepal life. It was fantastic having on the different cultures and religions and hope to see tourism
grow. Both Guru and Paras were awesome tour guides and we were kept in great company. They made the experience
ever better. Looking forward to seeing you soon and explore more of the Nepal culture all around and hopefully
cross border to Tibet and Bhutan. Thank you very much.
Sarah Maradooni
UAE.
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9. We face these challenges because we respect this privilege
Post Box 25551 Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ph +977-1-4442812/4428746/4362706 /
Email: info@himalayandreamz.com
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